Mosques in Atlanta, GA: Where to Pray, Connect, and Learn

Atlanta has a growing, diverse Muslim community, and there are many mosques and Islamic centers across the metro area. Whether you live in the city, are visiting for a few days, or are new to Islam and looking for a place to learn more, you’ll find multiple options for daily prayers, Jumu’ah (Friday prayer), classes, and community events.

Below is a practical guide to mosques in Atlanta, GA, including well-known locations, what to expect, and tips for choosing the right place for you.

Key Mosques and Islamic Centers in the Atlanta Area

The greater Atlanta area includes mosques inside the city and in nearby suburbs like Decatur, Norcross, and Alpharetta. Here are several widely recognized and long-established centers that many residents and visitors use as reference points.

1. Al-Farooq Masjid of Atlanta (Midtown/Atlanta)

Al-Farooq Masjid of Atlanta is one of the most well-known mosques in the city and often a first stop for visitors.

• General area: Near Midtown / Downtown Atlanta
• Typical offerings:
  • Five daily prayers and Jumu’ah prayer
  • Taraweeh and special programs in Ramadan
  • Educational classes, lectures, and children’s programs
  • Community iftars (during Ramadan), open house events

Because of its central location, it is convenient if you’re staying or working in or near downtown Atlanta and need a reliable place for prayer.

2. Masjid Abu Bakr (East Atlanta / Decatur area)

Masjid Abu Bakr serves many families in the Decatur and east Atlanta area.

• General area: East of Downtown, often associated with the Decatur/Clarkston corridor
• Typical offerings:
  • Five daily prayers and Friday khutbah (sermon)
  • Qur’an classes and youth programs
  • Community gatherings and lectures

This mosque is useful if you live or are visiting Decatur, Clarkston, or the eastern side of Atlanta and want a community-oriented space with regular programming.

3. Masjid Al-Momineen (Clarkston / East Side)

Masjid Al-Momineen is known as a busy, active masjid in the Clarkston area, which has a large refugee and immigrant population.

• General area: Clarkston, east of Atlanta
• Typical offerings:
  • Five daily prayers and Jumu’ah
  • Classes for adults and children
  • Programs serving local families and new arrivals

This mosque is often a hub for diverse Muslim communities, especially those from different parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

4. Islamic Center of North Fulton (Alpharetta/Johns Creek)

If you’re in the northern suburbs of metro Atlanta, the Islamic Center of North Fulton (ICNF) is a well-established option.

• General area: Alpharetta / Johns Creek area
• Typical offerings:
  • Daily prayers and Friday prayer
  • Weekend school for children
  • Youth activities and educational programs

This mosque is helpful for residents and visitors near North Point, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and surrounding neighborhoods.

5. Masjid At-Taqwa (West End / Southwest Atlanta)

The West End neighborhood of Atlanta is home to a historic and active Muslim community, and Masjid At-Taqwa is one of its central institutions.

• General area: West End / Southwest Atlanta
• Typical offerings:
  • Five daily prayers and Jumu’ah
  • Community outreach and local programs
  • Educational talks and gatherings

If you are near the West End, Oakland City, or southwest side of Atlanta, this masjid may be one of the closest and most convenient places for daily worship.

6. Other Notable Islamic Centers Around Metro Atlanta

There are many additional mosques and prayer spaces serving specific neighborhoods and communities, such as:

• Masjid Omar bin Abdul Aziz (often associated with Norcross/Tucker area)
• Dar Un Noor / Al-Falah Academy (education-focused environment in the northern metro area)
• Various smaller masajid and musallas in Doraville, Norcross, Marietta, Lawrenceville, and Stone Mountain

For most people living in metro Atlanta, there is usually at least one mosque within a reasonable driving distance, especially near major highways like I‑85, I‑75, and I‑285.

Quick Reference: Types of Mosques and Services in Atlanta

Below is a simple overview of what you’ll typically find at different types of mosques around Atlanta.

Finding a Mosque Near You in Atlanta

If you’re not sure which mosque is closest or best suited to your needs, here are practical ways to search from inside Atlanta or while visiting:

1. Use Map and Navigation Apps

Search for keywords like:

• “mosque near me”
• “Islamic center Atlanta GA”
• “Masjid [your neighborhood name]”

Zoom in on your specific area (e.g., Sandy Springs, College Park, Decatur, Buckhead) to see local prayer spaces you might not know about.

2. Ask at Local Halal Businesses

In many parts of Atlanta, especially around Doraville, Clarkston, Norcross, and parts of Decatur, halal restaurants and grocery stores often know the nearest masjid and prayer times. Staff or patrons can usually point you to:

• The closest place for Jumu’ah
• Which mosque has children’s programs or classes
• Community events during Ramadan and Eid

3. Check University and Campus Prayer Spaces

If you are near major campuses, you may find Muslim Student Association (MSA) prayer rooms and Jumu’ah services:

• Georgia State University (Downtown Atlanta)
• Georgia Tech (Midtown)
• Emory University (Druid Hills area)

These are especially useful for students, staff, and visitors on or near campus.

What to Expect When Visiting a Mosque in Atlanta

If you’re visiting a mosque in Atlanta for the first time—whether as a Muslim or as a guest wanting to learn more—it helps to know what to expect.

General Etiquette

Most mosques in Atlanta follow similar expectations:

• Dress modestly
  • For men: Long pants, shirt with sleeves.
  • For women: Long, loose clothing; headscarf is usually appreciated inside prayer areas.
• Remove shoes before entering the main prayer hall. Shoe racks are usually near the entrance.
• Silence your phone and avoid loud conversations in or near the prayer area.
• If you’re unsure about something, politely ask a volunteer, staff member, or regular attendee—most are used to visitors and will help.

Separate Prayer Areas

Many mosques in Atlanta have separate areas for men and women, either on different sides of the hall or on different floors. Signs, volunteers, or other worshippers can guide you where to go.

Jumu’ah (Friday Prayer) in Atlanta

For many Muslims in Atlanta, Jumu’ah is the main weekly congregational gathering. If you’re planning to attend:

• Timing: The khutbah (sermon) typically starts sometime between 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., depending on the season and mosque.
• Arrive early: Popular mosques—especially Al-Farooq Masjid and other central locations—can get full. Parking lots and street parking may fill up quickly.
• Multiple shifts: Some busy mosques offer two Jumu’ah services to accommodate more people during lunch hours.

If you work or study in downtown or Midtown Atlanta, it’s a good idea to locate the closest mosque to your workplace in advance so you can plan your schedule and commute.

Ramadan and Eid in Atlanta

Ramadan is a very active time for mosques in Atlanta, with extended programs and community events.

During Ramadan

Most larger mosques in the metro area typically offer:

• Taraweeh prayers every night
• Community iftars (breaking the fast) on weeknights or weekends
• Special Qur’an recitation, lectures, and youth activities

Mosques like Al-Farooq Masjid and larger suburban centers often see high attendance, so parking and space can be tight at peak times.

Eid Prayers

On Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, Atlanta-area mosques may:

• Hold multiple Eid prayers at the mosque itself
• Organize large Eid prayers at rented halls or open fields to accommodate more people

If you’re visiting Atlanta during Eid, check with a major mosque in advance to see:

• Where the main Eid gathering will be
• What time the first and second prayers are scheduled
• Whether there are family activities, bazaars, or festivals afterward

Programs for Families, Youth, and Newcomers

Many mosques in Atlanta do more than just host prayers. They often serve as community centers, offering:

• Weekend Islamic school for children
• Youth groups and teen programs
• Qur’an and Arabic classes
• Marriage and family counseling (often through the imam or qualified counselors)
• Orientation and support for new Muslims (reverts)

If you are:

• A parent looking for a weekend school
• A young adult wanting a youth circle or social activities
• A new or interested learner wanting to understand Islam

You can contact several mosques and ask specifically about programs that match your needs, then choose the one whose schedule and atmosphere fit you best.

Safety, Accessibility, and Practical Tips

Getting There

• Driving: Many mosques in Atlanta are accessible by car, often near major roads or highways. Parking can be crowded at Jumu’ah and during Ramadan nights, so plan to arrive early.
• Public transit: Some mosques near central areas—especially around Midtown, Downtown, and the West End—may be reachable via MARTA buses or rail, but you may still need to walk a short distance.

Accessibility

Larger and newer mosques often include:

• Wheelchair-accessible entrances
• Ramps or elevators
• Accessible bathrooms

If accommodations are important to you, consider calling ahead and asking about accessibility features.

Security

Atlanta mosques, like many faith institutions, are mindful of safety. You may notice:

• Security cameras
• Coordinated parking and crowd management during large events
• Doors that are locked except around prayer times

This is typically standard practice and should not discourage you from visiting; it is primarily aimed at keeping worshippers safe and organized.

How to Choose a Mosque in Atlanta That Fits Your Needs

With so many options, the “best” mosque in Atlanta depends on your location, language, and preferred environment. Consider:

• Proximity: Is it reasonable to get there for daily prayers or at least for Jumu’ah?
• Language of the khutbah: Many mosques offer English or bilingual sermons, but some communities may lean toward other languages.
• Programs offered: Do you need children’s classes, youth programs, or adult education?
• Community feel: Some mosques have a very diverse mix of ethnicities and backgrounds, while others may serve a specific cultural group more heavily.

Often, people in Atlanta attend:

• One mosque for daily prayers (closest to home or work)
• Another mosque for Jumu’ah or special programs they enjoy
• Large centers for Eid and Ramadan events

Trying a few different mosques over several weeks is a common way to find the community where you feel most at home.

Atlanta, GA offers a wide network of mosques and Islamic centers, from historic inner-city masajid to newer suburban campuses. With a bit of planning—checking locations, times, and programs—you can easily find a mosque in Atlanta that fits your schedule, beliefs, and community preferences.